Doctors aim to save babies from preventable deaths

Updated 9:51 am, Thursday, October 8, 2015

In response to an alarming rise in preventable infant deaths in Bexar County, physicians are ramping up efforts to educate parents about safe sleeping practices for babies.

While some sudden infant deaths can’t be explained, many occur when the baby is sleeping in an unsafe environment, such as on a soft surface with loose bedding, or with another person. The baby can suffocate or be strangled or trapped.

“That is a lot for Bexar County,” Garza-Cox said. “It is heartbreaking to hear the stories and know that it’s something that could have been prevented.”

The Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy Coalition Team is a volunteer task, formed at the request of the Bexar County Child Fatality Review Team, comprising of six neonatologists from health care systems and hospitals.

The goal is for health care providers to talk to families about safe sleeping arrangements not only at the baby’s birth but at every encounter with the family until the baby turns 1 year old. Providers in urgent care clinics, emergency rooms and pediatrician offices are urged to reinforce a consistent message about safe sleeping.

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is increasing safe-sleep materials and educational efforts through WIC clinics, the Healthy Start program and the Baby Café, a support center for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Other recommendations include sharing a room with the baby but not a bed; not allowing smoking around the infant; not allowing the baby to sleep on soft surfaces such as a sofa; ensuring nothing covers the baby’s head or face; and breastfeeding the baby.